That is the Gibraltar Re-enactment Society. They are former soldiers and enthusiasts of British military history. Every Saturday morning they parade down Main Street to Grand Casemates Square, re-enacting the old 'Ceremony of the Keys'. This is when the Port Sergeant would secure the fortress in the evening, at the gates of Casemates Square, then march up to His Excellency the Governor of Gibraltar: "The fortress is secure. All is well." This party was known as The Escort to the Keys. Once a year it is re-eneacted in full by the Royal Gibraltar Regiment* and remains its most important ceremonial occasion after the Queen's Birthday Parade. The Society change their uniforms every so often to reflect the different regiments, in particular those serving and commanding the Garrison. My personal favourite is the Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment), when they're even accompanied by a piper. Thank you for visiting and sharing your experience. I hope you enjoyed your stay! 🇬🇮 * Here is a video of the Royal Gibraltar Regiment's Ceremony of the Keys, specifically the Escort for the Keys. You'll notice that the Port Sergeant is the only one in scarlet uniform. I am one of the flute players accompanying: ruclips.net/video/teH15vyPWd0/видео.html
Hello Tarik! Thank you so much for taking the time to help me understand this tradition. What an interesting aspect of life and community in Gib that I never knew existed. I look forward to hearing you playing the flute. I played the flute (probably badly) at school and loved it! With thanks, Penelope
What's going on with the ceremony?
Thanks for another great video. Not sure what was happening with that ceremony. Stay safe, Steve
Soldier seem to have a noisy way to get to the aftrenoon tea break!
😂
That is the Gibraltar Re-enactment Society. They are former soldiers and enthusiasts of British military history.
Every Saturday morning they parade down Main Street to Grand Casemates Square, re-enacting the old 'Ceremony of the Keys'. This is when the Port Sergeant would secure the fortress in the evening, at the gates of Casemates Square, then march up to His Excellency the Governor of Gibraltar: "The fortress is secure. All is well." This party was known as The Escort to the Keys. Once a year it is re-eneacted in full by the Royal Gibraltar Regiment* and remains its most important ceremonial occasion after the Queen's Birthday Parade.
The Society change their uniforms every so often to reflect the different regiments, in particular those serving and commanding the Garrison. My personal favourite is the Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment), when they're even accompanied by a piper.
Thank you for visiting and sharing your experience. I hope you enjoyed your stay! 🇬🇮
* Here is a video of the Royal Gibraltar Regiment's Ceremony of the Keys, specifically the Escort for the Keys. You'll notice that the Port Sergeant is the only one in scarlet uniform. I am one of the flute players accompanying:
ruclips.net/video/teH15vyPWd0/видео.html
Hello Tarik! Thank you so much for taking the time to help me understand this tradition. What an interesting aspect of life and community in Gib that I never knew existed. I look forward to hearing you playing the flute. I played the flute (probably badly) at school and loved it! With thanks, Penelope